Barry takes down Midwestern State to earn spot in national quarterfinals

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Barry accomplished what it set out to do Wednesday -- win efficiently. The Buccaneers swept Midwestern State 5-0 in the NCAA championships Round of 16 at Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex.

"Of course it helps a lot with your confidence, and it helps the team as well because you get off the quick," Barry freshman Emma Onila said after picking up a pair of victories. "It's a little different playing here because the balls fly off the court so you have to adjust."

The Bucs (27-0) made all the necessary adjustments in this one, and advanced to the quarterfinals at 3 p.m. ET Thursday when they will meet No. 2 Armstrong Atlantic (27-1). Barry beat Armstrong 5-4 in Miami Shores during the regular season.

"I think [Thursday] is going to be important that we really focus in doubles," Onila said.

Wednesday, the Bucs were on top of their game in pairs play. Elisabeth Abanda and Onila, the No. 8-ranked doubles team in the country, beat Sarita Adhikary and Lauren Pineda 8-3 at the top flight. Linda Fritschken and Akemi Maehama were 8-2 winners versus Kayla Casey and Madeline Schorlemmer at No. 2. Karina Goia and Isabela Miro beat Fatima Clementino and KynZee Watson 3-0 at No. 3.

That put the Bucs ahead 3-0 entering singles play.

Fritschken made quick work of Casey 6-1, 6-0 at No. 3 singles to move Barry within a point of clinching the match. Ranked 30th in the nation, Onila sealed the deal with a 6-2, 6-3 victory against Taylor Coffman at No. 2.

Barry was up a set in the remaining four singles matches with Abanda leading at No. 1, Goia ahead at No. 4, Maehama up at No. 5 and Miro in front at No. 6.